Acropolis Museum Lost in the Cultural Conflict

Abu Dhabi’s The National runs a long and illuminating look at the struggle between Greece and the UK over the Elgin Marbles and the role of the new Acropolis Museum in advancing the Greek cause. But Richard Holledge points out that the museum itself has been all but obscured in that tale:

Almost overlooked in the heightened controversy, which will continue long after the opening on June 20, is the New Acropolis Museum itself. Designed by Bernard Tschumi of New York, it is a triumph of glass and steel, with 150,000 square feet of exhibition space – 10 times more than the previous Acropolis Museum. Its angular lines contrast sharply with the buildings around and the great columns of the Acropolis above. During construction, archaeologists discovered an ancient city and integrated it into the design by building over its 3,994 square metres of remains with a glass-floored atrium to allow views into the floors below.

Taffarello, who visited the museum recently, says: “It is awesome. It is minimalist and very cleverly lets the artefacts take centre stage in uncluttered settings. The lighting is extraordinary. We were there in February when it was raining and from the inside the Parthenon looked mystical and wonderful.”